Activities in the Columbia Area – June 13-July 3

Sundays – Sensory Sunday at the EdVenture Children’s Museum. On Sundays one hour before opening, the museum will be open for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and sensory processing difference’s to tour the museum and enjoy interactive, hands on activities. For more information call (803) 400-1156 or visit http://www.edventure.org/events/sensory-sunday/?for=04-17-2016.

Second Sundays – Stroll on Arsenal Hill at the Arsenal Hill Park Center on Lincoln Street with the tour beginning at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church on Calhoun Street. Learn the significance of this neighborhood with its eclectic mix of architecture where the elites use to live during the war and African Americans lived through the 19th and 20th Centuries. For more information call (803) 252-1770 or visit http://www.historiccolumbia.org/events/second-sunday-stroll-arsenal-hill.

First & Third Wednesdays – Kids Cook at the EdVenture Children’s Museum. Children 6 – 10 years old will have a unique experience taking participants on an exciting journey of culinary arts partaking in food preparation and meal creation, while learning about nutrition. For more information call (803) 400-1156 or visit http://www.edventure.org/events/kids-cook-first-third-wednesdays/?for=04-20-2016.

Thursdays – City Roots Farmers Market at the City Roots Farm. Here’s your chance to search for fresh local produce, fresh eggs, meats, cheese, and more, plus local music and food truck vendors! For more information call (803) 254-2302 or visit http://www.cityroots.org/.

First Thursdays – First Thursdays on Main Street at the 1200-1700 block of Main Street in downtown Columbia. The event lasts from 6 pm to 10 pm and is a collaboration of a number of vendors in the area. For more information call (803) 988-1065 or visit http://firstthursdaysonmain.com/.

Third Thursdays – Vista Nights offered by the Congaree Visit Guild in the Vista area of downtown Columbia. This event is a collaboration of vendors offering extended hours and events such as wine and beer tastings, art classes, and more. For more information call (803) 269-5946 or visit http://www.vistacolumbia.com/vistanights.aspx.

Thursday Nights – Young Adult Shag Dance at Bill’s Music Stop on Meeting Street. Come early and learn how to shag and then dance the night away. For more information call (803) 796-6477 or visit http://www.billsmusicshop.com/calendar.html#.

Fridays – Bluegrass and Acoustic Open Stage and Jam at Bill’s Music Shop and Pickin’ Parlor on Meeting Street. Come out and participate or sit back and enjoy the music. For more information call (803) 796-6477 or visit http://www.billsmusicshop.com/.

Fourth Fridays – Friday Night Laser Lights at the South Carolina State Museum. Through the months of June, July, and August, the Museum will present a laser light show in the Planetarium with each show providing a variety of music. For more information call (803) 898-4921 or visit http://scmuseum.org/events/upcoming-events/.

Saturdays – State House Tours at the South Carolina State House on Gervais Street. Come tour the most beautiful historic building in the area. For more information call (803) 734-2430 or visit http://www.scstatehouse.gov/visit.php.

Saturdays – Classic Country Music Jamboree and Dancing at Bills Music Shop and Pickin’ Parlor on Meeting Street. Come early and learn two step, country dancing, or couples dancing (no partner required) followed by live entertainment. For more information call (803) 796-6477 or visit http://www.billsmusicshop.com/.

Saturdays – Soda City Market on Main Street in downtown Columbia. Shop for local and regional foods, crafts, hot coffee, cold fresh lemonade, and even cooked food. For more information visit http://sodacitysc.com/.

Through June 17 – “The Commedia Emperor’s New Clothes” at the Columbia Children’s Theatre. Based on the story by Hans Christian Anderson this fun tale about two weavers who convince the Emperor that the clothes they make are invisible to all who see him leave him walking around looking silly to all who see him, but who fear confronting him about the truth. For more information call (803) 691-4548 or visit http://www.columbiachildrenstheatre.com/season-at-a-glance/.

Through June 28 – Summer Camps for Kids at City Roots. These fun half-day camps will introduce kids ages 8 to 12 the art of collecting home grown foods to how to prepare and even preserve them. For more information call (803) 254-2302 or visit http://www.cityroots.org/summer-camps/.

Through July 31 – Winigard’s Photo Contest put on by Wingard’s Market. Submit your photos for a chance to win one of three prizes! For more information call (803) 359-9091 or visit https://wingardsmarket.com/photo-contest/.

Through August 3 – Summer Camps at Town Theatre. If your kids are interested in theatre and performing, these camps cover a variety of topics for kids ages 5 and up. For more information call (803) 799-2510 or visit http://towntheatre.com/summer-camp-2018/.

Through August 4 – “Beauty and the Beast” at the Columbia Marionette Theatre. Bring your children to see this show about a vain Prince who learns his lesson when he is turned into a Beast for his selfish behavior and the Beauty who helps to teach him the error of his ways! For more information call (803) 252-7366 or visit https://cmtpuppet.org/shows/beauty-and-the-beast/.

Through August 10 – Summer Camps at EdVenture Children’s Museum. Kids ages 4 to 12 can participate in a variety of activities to keep them busy this summer. For more information call (803) 799-3100 or visit http://www.edventure.org/programs/camps/.

Through August 17 – Zoo Summer Camps at the Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens. Kids ages 3 to 13 can enjoy fun summer camps at the zoo with a variety of camps to choose from. For more information call (803) 602-0803 or visit https://www.riverbanks.org/education/day-camps.

June 14 – “External Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” at the Nickelodeon Theater. This story tells about how Joel, who broke up with his girlfriend, wishes to remove her from his mind, so requests the assistance of a doctor who plans a procedure that will have minimal negative effects, but when Joel begin to forget her, becomes even more troubled. For more information call (803) 254-8234 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/films/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind/.

June 14 – 16 – “Heathcliff” at the Trustus Theatre. This clown is a 78 year old man who sings and dances and will be performed by native Columbia Jonathan Monck with the show also including a lot of humor so don’t miss the show! For more information call (803) 254-9732 or visit http://trustus.org/event/healthcliff/.

June 14 – 23 – “Arden of Faversham” at the Lab Theater on Wheat Street. This dark comedy and rarely staged Elizabethan-era play with an “anonymous” writer, tells the true of the plot to kill greedy landowner Thomas Arden by his wife and her lover who set into motion several “increasingly complicated (and hilarious) assassination attempts. For more information visit https://www.onecolumbiasc.com/event/arden-of-faversham/.

June 15 – “Peter Rabbit” at Finlay Park. Take the kids out for a fun evening at the park with a movie while you unwind from your work week! For more information call (803) 545-3100 or visit https://www.columbiasc.gov/calendar/3106.

June 15 – “Super 8” at the Icehouse Amphitheater. Bring the family out for a fun night enjoying a movie under the stars! For more information call (803) 358-7275 or visit http://icehouseamphitheater.com/events/.

June 15 – “Travis Tritt” at the Township Auditorium. You are sure to enjoy an evening of great country music with this country music star! For more information call (803) 576-2350 or visit http://www.thetownship.org/events/.

June 15 – 16 – “Who Could Ask For Anything More” at On Stage Production Center. This music revue concert will highlight music from the early 1900’s through the 1950’s so grab your parents, your grandparents, and even the kids for an evening of great historical hits! For more information call (803) 351-6751 or visit http://www.onstagesc.com/Shows.html.

June 15 – 16 – “Heathcliff” at Trustus Theatre. Enjoy an evening of music, tap dancing, jokes, and fun at this evening of entertainment presenting Jonathan Monk as Heathcliff the Clown. For more information call (803) 254-9732 ext. 1 or visit http://trustus.org/event/healthcliff/.

June 16 – Paleopalooza Natural History Day at the South Carolina State Museum. This day will be filled with natural history with lots of hands on activities, birds-of-prey, snakes, and even a chance to hear from our famous local naturalist, Rudy Mancke. For more information call (803) 898-4921 or visit http://scmuseum.org/calendar/paleopalooza/.

June 16 – Pickle Ball Tournament at Crooked Creek Park in Chapin. If you’ve never seen pickle ball played, this might be the time to come see what the fun is all about . . . or sign up to play yourself! For more information call (803) 345-6181 or visit https://www.icrc.net/event/pickleball-tournament.

June 16 – “J. Anthony Brown: Just Me Comedy Tour” at the Township Auditorium. Enjoy an evening of comedy with this talented comedian but beware of his language. For more information call (803) 576-2350 or visit http://www.thetownship.org/events/.

June 16 – 17 – Columbia Tour of Homes in several different communities in the Columbia area. If you are in the market for a new home or apartment or just want to see what is available, you might want to attend this tour homes with the chance to meet and talk with some of the builders and developers. For more information call (803) 256-6238 or visit http://www.biaofcentralsc.com/calendar-and-events/tour-of-homes.html.

June 17 – 22 – CCJ Conservatory Summer Dance Intensive at the CCJ Conservatory. With a variety of levels of instruction, from ages 7 to 16 and above, your child will have the chance to work with nationally recognized instructors such as Al Blackstone and Dana Foglia. For more information call (803) 252-0252 or visit https://www.columbiacityjazz.com/summer-intensive.

June 17 – 24 – Southeastern Piano Festival at a variety of locations on the University of South Carolina campus. If you are a pianist, be sure to sign up for the competition which will include workshops and lectures, or just come out and enjoy some of the concerts! For more information visit http://sepf.music.sc.edu/.

June 18 – “The Sandlot” at the Nickelodeon Theater. There is a new kid in town who is destined to a long lonely summer who is shown the ropes by a local kid which leads him to a summer of fun and adventure! For more information call (803) 254-8234 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/films/the-sandlot/.

June 18 – August 24 – Purple Martin Boat Tours at Jake’s Landing. Wingard’s naturalist and Captain Zach will take you on a trip for a once in a lifetime opportunity to see one of the largest Purple Martin roosts in North America on Doolittle Island on Lake Murray. For more information call (803) 359-9091 or visit https://wingardsmarket.com/event/purple-martin-boat-tour-june-18/.

June 20 – 21 – “Haha Davis” at the Comedy House. What better way to take a mid-week break than to enjoy a comedy show. For more information call (803) 798-9898 or visit https://comedyhouse.us/comedy-calendar/

June 21 – “Ex Machina” at the Nickelodeon Theater. This show is part of a futuristic celebration with a pre-cyborg pre-show and trivia. For more information call (803) 254-8234 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/films/ex-machina-2/.

June 21 – 24 – “Shrek, Jr.” at the Workshop Theatre. The kids have been at it again and are prepared to give you a show you will absolutely enjoy so come out and support their hard work while enjoying an evening of great fun! For more information call (803) 799-6551 or visit http://www.workshoptheatre.com/shows.html#nonseason.

June 22 – “The Greatest Showman” at the Icehouse Amphitheater. Spend your Friday night with the family unwinding to a fun and enjoyable movie! For more information call (803) 358-7275 or visit http://icehouseamphitheater.com/events/.

June 22 – “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” at the Nickelodeon Theater. This production is a Mister Roger’s Neighborhood show that includes his puppets and friends who talk directly to young children about some of life most challenging issues. For more information call (803) 254-8234 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/films/wont-you-be-my-neighbor/.

June 22 – 24 – “Kiana Dancie” at the Comedy House. You’ll enjoy an evening of laughter with this talented comedian. For more information call (803) 798-9898 or visit https://comedyhouse.us/comedy-calendar/.

June 23 – How to be Snake Safe in the Garden at Wingard’s Nursery. Learn how to appreciate the benefits of snakes in your garden. For more information call (803) 359-9091 or visit https://wingardsmarket.com/workshops/.

June 25 – “Wasted! The Story of Food Waste” at the Nickelodeon Theater. This movie hopes to educate and change the way those who attend think about buying, cooking, recycling, and eating food. For more information call (803) 254-8234 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/films/wasted-the-story-of-food-waste/.

June 25 – 29 – Summer Camp at the Robert Mills House and Gardens. Kids 8 to 12 years old will enjoy interactive activities and the house and grounds learning what it was like to live in Columbia 50 years ago. For more information call (803) 252-7742 or visit https://www.historiccolumbia.org/events/2018/2018-06/summer-camp.

June 26 – 30 – Miss South Carolina Pageant 2018 at the Township Auditorium. Come out and support all of the lovely ladies who will be competing for the title of Miss South Carolina! For more information call (843) 847-9173 or visit https://www.miss-sc.org/.

June 27 – Wild Out Columbia Improv Show at the Comedy House. Come out and see what some of our local talent can and cannot do! For more information call (803) 798-9898 or visit https://comedyhouse.us/comedy-calendar/.

June 27 – “Out Blood Is Wine” at the Nickelodeon Theater. This documentary explores the life of those who live in the “rural Republic of Georgia and the rebirth of 8,000 year old wine making traditions” with wine tasting prior to the show. For more information call (803) 254-8234 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/films/our-blood-is-wine/.

June 28 – Renovation Rodeo at a location to be later determined in Shandon. Take a tour of an older cottage in the Shandon home that has been recently renovated while staying true to the roots and history with light hors d’oeuvres and spirits provided. For more information call (803) 252-7742 or visit https://www.historiccolumbia.org/events/2018/2018-06/renovation-rodeo.

June 28 – Columbia’s Got Talent at the Comedy House. If you think you’ve got what it takes to win the show, be sure to sign up, and for the rest of you, come out and see just what type of talent Columbia actually has! For more information call (803) 798-9898 or visit https://comedyhouse.us/comedy-calendar/.

June 28 – “A Tribute to Tom Petty” at the Icehouse Amphitheater. Spend an evening enjoying your favorite tunes by Tom Petty featuring Josh Roberts and the Hinges, with Brian Conner, Deborah Adedakun, Ed Lemon, Jr., Danielle Howle, Matt Goudelock, Daniel Mackado, and Nikki Lee Hagenmeyer, so make plans now to come out for this free show. For more information call (803) 358-7275 or visit http://icehouseamphitheater.com/events/.

June 28 – “Sleep Dealer” at the Nickelodeon Theater. This is a Sundance hit that is a “haunting cautionary tale” that depicts how things could be in the future of America. For more information call (803) 254-8234 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/films/sleep-dealer/.

June 29 – “246th Army Band” at the Icehouse Amphitheater. Fill your evening with “traditional military selections from the ceremonial band, jazz music by the Palmetto Jazz Orchestra, the sounds of New Orleans and beyond with the Battery Brass Band, and closing out with the rock band Moments Notice” so with something to suit just about everyone, come out for a great evening of free entertainment. For more information call (803) 358-7275 or visit http://icehouseamphitheater.com/events/.

June 29 – July 1 – “Lavelle Crawford” at the Comedy House. This comedian, actor, writer, and producer best known as Saul Goodman’s bodyguard in Breaking Bad, has come to town to give you an evening of laughter! For more information call (803) 798-9898 or visit https://comedyhouse.us/comedy-calendar/.

June 29 – July 28 – “Memphis” at the Trustus Theatre. This production that won a Tony Award for Best Musical in 2010 tells the story of a young white DJ who fell in love with rock and roll, and an extremely talented black singer in 1950’s Memphis during the cultural revolution. For more information call (803) 254-9732 or visit http://trustus.org/event/memphis/.

June 30 – Amazing Africa at Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens. This overnight event will allow families to enjoy the Zoo after dark, as they learn about the animals from Africa, with the cost including admission to the Zoo the day following the event. For more information call (803) 779-8717 or visit https://www.riverbanks.org/education/family-programs.

June 30 – “Dig” at the Nickelodeon Theater. This is a documentary about alternative rock in this Sundance award winning production. For more information call (803) 254-8234 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/films/dig/.

July 1 – “Dazed and Confused” at the Nickelodeon Theater. This is the story of one wild night of the last day of school for a group of high school kids in 1976, so dress up in your best 70’s attire and you are guaranteed to enjoy a fun evening that will take you back in time! For more information call (803) 254-8234 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/films/dazed-and-confused/.

July 3 – Star Spangled Symphonic Salute at Saluda Shoals Park. Enjoy a patriotic concert put on by the Lake Murray Symphony with songs from Broadway musicals as well as patriotic songs in honor of the 4th holiday. For more information call (803) 213-2060 or visit https://www.icrc.net/event/star-spangled-symphonic-salute.